Spain faces labor shortages as aging population grows

Spain is facing a significant demographic challenge as the working-age population declines while the elderly population grows. According to analyses by the Adecco Foundation based on National Statistics Institute projections, the country could lose approximately 1.8 million people aged 16 to 64 between 2030 and 2050. During the same period, the population over 64 is expected to increase by 4.8 million, representing a 41.7% growth.

This shift is expected to shrink the demographic base supporting economic activity and social protection systems. The tourism sector is particularly vulnerable; in the hospitality industry alone, nearly 300,000 workers are expected to reach retirement age in the coming years. The decline in the workforce is attributed to low birth rates recorded since the 2010s.

In the region of Andalusia, the situation presents a dual pressure. Projections indicate the region will lose nearly 290,000 working-age individuals between 2030 and 2040, while the population over 64 is expected to increase by approximately 547,000. This demographic imbalance threatens the ability of companies to fill vacancies and may impact the financing of social security and pensions.